dc.description.abstract |
Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHIs) are caused by different species of parasitic worms
and transmitted by eggs present in human feces which contaminate the soil. They are common
among school-aged children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHIs, and their
associated risk factors among school children in Estie district. A school-based cross-sectional
study was conducted in four primary schools in the Estie district, south Gondar zone, Amhara
region, starting from February to May 2022. The four schools were selected deliberately. Sample
size was calculated using single proportion formula and sample children were selected using
systematic random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather information on
the risk factors of STHIs. The presence of STHs in the stool samples were determined using the
direct wet mount and the concentration methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
The chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to determine the associations between
STHIs and the risk factors. P-values of < 0.05 were considered significant. The overall
prevalence of STHIs was 14.8% (8.2% males and 6.6% females). Of all the identified soil transmitted helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant infectious agent (7.7%),
followed by hookworm species (3.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.3%), and Trichuris
trichuria (0.8%). The family size ≥ 6 (AOR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.41–6.47; P = 0.004), annual
household incomes < 50,000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 10.36 ;95% CI = 1.88–56.99; p = 0.007),
wearing open shoes (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.08 – 5.20; p = 0.031), untrimmed fingernails
(AOR =7.66; 95% CI = 2.96–19.84; p ≤ 0.001), playing with soil (AOR = 4.40; 95% CI = 1.79–
10.85; p ≤ 0.001), open field defecation (AOR = 4.15; 95% CI = 1.81–13.34; p = 0.003),
unavailability of home latrine (AOR = 4.15; 95% CI = 1.81 – 13.34) were the predictor factors
for soil-transmitted helminth infection. The rates of STHIs were low in the study primary
schoolchildren. Based on the statistical analysis, hygienic practices are important to prevent
STHIs. |
en_US |